We continue to move ahead in our investigation and understanding of linear equations.
Following a week of graphing linear equations, last week students focused on how to solve linear equations symbolically, using 2 step algebraic equations, such as 90 = 5x +30.
Monday students investigated how they can use linear equations to solve problems through the problem 5.1 “Paying in Installments.” This problem describes:
The Unlimited Store allows any customer who buys merchandise costing over $30 to pay on an installment plan. The customer pays $30 down and then pays $15 a month until the item is paid for.
Students worked together to translate the written description into linear equation to find how long it would take to pay down different items (such as an iPod, for $195: $195=30+15m, where m = the number of months)
We also found that linear equations can describe the relationship between specific bones (radius, humerus, tibia and femur) and a person’s height. Students had the choice between working with equations with whole numbers or decimals in their analyzing bones classwork.
Although at the start of the week solving algebraic equations and showing their work was a bit tricky for students, by Thursday everyone was comfortable solving 2-step algebraic equations independently.
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